It is a matter of great pride and achievement for American Nepali diasporic community of Maryland, Virginia and greater Washington DC area that one of its young, energetic and emerging leader, Harry Bhandary, got elected for the state delegate of Maryland. This was his second attempt.  A narrow margin defeated him in his first attempt for the state delegate.  He did not give up and pursued his campaign consistently with firm determination, which eventually landed him in Maryland State’s house of delegates. This is, indeed, a milestone accomplishment for him personally and for Nepali American diasporic community.  Harry’s election victory has clearly vindicated a few take-home messages that Nepali American diasporic community should keep in perspective that

1. America is a land of opportunity. If you persistently pursue your goal with determination, commitment and vision, your efforts will not dissipate in vain. You will be rewarded eventually.
2. Nepali American diasporic community must unitedly participate, engage and intervene in the mainstream American political process for their own empowerment, identity recognition and realization of the leadership potential of their members.
3. Nepali American diasporic community can learn a lot from the experiences of Korean and Vietnamese American communities concerning community organizations, participation, and engagement in various local committees and voluntary community services that connect them to the American mainstream political processes.

In Maryland and Virginia, nearly 15 to 20 thousands members of the Nepali community reside. If 40 to 50 % of its members become eligible for voting, that number would be 8 to 10 thousands.  In a highly competitive election like the ones we have witnessed yesterday, these numbers will be decisive in many cases of the House of Representatives, governors and even senators’ elections.

Nepali American diasporic community leaders must engage in a campaign for voter registration of its eligible members and voting on the day of the election.  Every vote counts in a very competitive election and this is true in every state such as Texas, New York, and California. If we seriously engage ourselves in the local political process, we can significantly influence the outcome of the election and may be able to elect many Nepali Harrys to the state delegate, House of Representatives and, who knows? maybe, even governor and senator.

Congratulation Harry! Wish you a very successful tenure!

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